Senior Director Alumni Relations

American University; United States; Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

American University in Washington, DC, invites applications for the Senior Director of Alumni Relations within AUWCL Advancement. The role leads engagement for 22,000+ alumni, directs chapters and volunteer programs, and supervises staff while driving fundraising and communications aligned with school priorities.

The position offers a hybrid work arrangement, frequent national travel, and a competitive salary in the $125k–$130k range with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience leading alumni engagement programs and teams.
• Ability to manage volunteers, chapters, and events.
• Strong communication, data analysis, and relationship building.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement data-informed strategies to engage 22,000+ alumni.
• Oversee alumni chapters, volunteer leaders, and donor engagement.
• Supervise staff, set goals, and manage performance.
• Plan major events and regional programs with budgets and logistics.
• Coordinate communications, content, and CRM data entry.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Volunteer management

Staff supervision

Alumni relations

Data-driven planning

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world.

American University Department: WCL Advancement

• Time Type: Full time
• Job Type: Regular
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Work Modality: Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

The SDAR provides strategic leadership and oversight for AUWCL’s comprehensive alumni engagement program, serving more than 22,000 J.D. and LL.M. alumni. The SDAR is responsible for developing and executing strategies that increase meaningful alumni engagement across volunteerism, experiential opportunities, philanthropic participation, and communications. The SDAR plans, directs, and coordinates all alumni engagement activities for AUWCL, including the law school’s Alumni Association, regional chapters, local networks, alumni volunteer programs, and signature events. The SDAR directly supervises one staff member and leads the recruitment, training, and management of alumni volunteers. The role is expected to meet or exceed annual and long-term alumni relations goals while strengthening alumni connection, loyalty, and support of the institution.

Essential Functions

1. Strategic Leadership and Alumni Engagement

   Developing and implementing forward-thinking, data-informed strategies to engage more than 22,000 alumni. Establishing SMART goals and evaluating outcomes to improve engagement, participation, and satisfaction. Expanding outreach through communications, events, and digital platforms. Increasing the number and diversity of actively engaged alumni aligned with institutional priorities.

2. Volunteer and Chapter Management, Data Strategy

   Managing and growing regional chapters, affinity groups, and alumni networks, with intentional expansion into geographic and professional communities. Supervising and supporting alumni volunteers, including recruitment, onboarding, recognition, and ongoing engagement of volunteer leaders and advocates. Providing strategic direction to the AUWCL Alumni Association to strengthen volunteer leadership and philanthropic support. Ensuring appropriate allocation and stewardship of budgets to support alumni-led activities and initiatives. Analyzing alumni data (demographics, geography, interests, professions) to inform strategy and identify engagement opportunities. Conducting surveys and feedback initiatives to align programming with alumni interests and needs. Supporting alumni-driven engagement opportunities nationwide, leverage the WCLs alumni association to grow the base of active and engaged volunteers as advocates and philanthropic supporters of the school.

3. Staff Supervision and Event Strategy Execution

   Directly supervising one staff member, including goal setting, performance management, professional development, and daily oversight. Providing leadership in planning and execution of alumni chapter events, including signature programs (e.g., Reunion, Meyers and Moore Society dinner), and regional events. Overseeing all logistical planning, including venue selection, catering, A/V, program development, vendor coordination, and event production elements. Ensuring exceptional event execution through proactive planning, problem-solving, and on-site leadership. Maintaining a consistent and high-quality alumni experience across all events. Managing alumni swag inventory and distribution of alumni-branded materials and event collateral.

4. Communications, Content, and Administrative Management

   Serving as an active member of the Central Alumni Relations cohort, collaborating with colleagues across AU to advance alumni engagement and strategic initiatives and participating in monthly meetings. Coordinating and producing alumni-facing content for the monthly newsletter and Advocate magazine. Partnering with internal stakeholders to share relevant institutional news and alumni achievements. Ensuring accurate and timely entry of alumni engagement data into the university’s advancement CRM. Managing requests from AU’s central alumni relations team and the WCL Dean’s Office. Supporting cross-campus collaboration to align alumni engagement efforts with broader institutional goals.

5. Other Duties as Assigned

   Supervisory Responsibility: Supervises the Assistant Director of Alumni Relations.

Competencies

• Building and Supporting Teams.
• Building a Customer Focused Organization.
• Developing Plans.
• Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.
• Acting Strategically.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Full-time. 35 hours per week.

Salary Range: $125,000.00 - $130,000.00 annually.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree or equivalent. 8 - 10 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree. 10+ years of relevant experience.

Travel Required

Frequent national travel required.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

At least six years of progressively responsible alumni relations or fundraising experience, preferably in higher education. Demonstrated high-level expertise and success in planning events that advance the school’s advancement goals. Experience managing engagement efforts for an alumni or donor base comparable to WCL (22,000+ living alumni). Successful, experienced leader with a record of managing collaborative work environments and supervising staff. Commitment to inclusive excellence and demonstrated experience in promoting an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Demonstrated experience building successful, productive relationships with top university administrators, deans, board members, and trustees. Demonstrated experience working with faculty. Demonstrated experience staffing high-end volunteer committees. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including public speaking. Exceptional analytical, research, and strategic thinking skills. Maturity, ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a deadline-oriented environment. Passion for the AUWCL’s mission/values. Familiarity with fundraising systems, relevant databases/collections, and strong command of MS Office Suite of products.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package.

Other Details

Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.